| Abstract: | The construction industry is a significant component of many countries' economies and is
frequently regarded as a driver of economic growth, particularly in developing countries.
Construction work employs a diverse range of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled individuals due
to its relatively labor-intensive nature. Despite its importance, the construction industry is regarded
as hazardous, with frequent and high accident rates, as well as health issues affecting workers,
practitioners, and end users. However, there is a lack of understanding in Ethiopia about how
health and safety risks are managed on construction sites. As a result, the goal of this study is to
learn about the current state of health and safety management in a Hawassa-based construction
firm. A quantitative research method was used in the study. Project data was gathered. A
quantitative research method was used in the study. Data was gathered from members of the
project management team, site engineers, safety officers, and casual and contracted workers. The
information was presented in charts and tables, and it was analyzed with descriptive statistical
tools like frequency and percentages. Working at height, falls and trips, and tools and machinery
were found to be the leading causes of incidents.
The study also discovered that while health and safety management on the construction site is
adequate, there is still much room for improvement. The major issues and challenges confronting
the construction sector's health and safety performance are a lack of enforcement of existing rules
and regulations, resistance to change, particularly among supervisors, a lack of employee
involvement, and a lack of authority follow-up. According to the major findings, the country's
construction health and safety rules, as well as regulation by health and safety and local authorities,
should be strengthened. Creating a workplace safety culture would also be critical, given that
Ethiopia is new to the concept. |
